Overview

• A bystander walking near University Avenue and Lafayette Road heard screams around 10 a.m. Tuesday and called 911.
• Firefighters arrived minutes later and employed a rope rescue system with an ATV stretcher to lift the man from about 10 feet below ground.
• Responders found the sewer cover at the bottom of the shaft alongside the man and noted signs of tampering.
• He was alert and conscious when rescued and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital with no life-threatening injuries.
• Investigators are exploring whether the cover was intentionally tampered with or compromised by negligent maintenance.